Is Spalding clean-up a costly bridge too far for Network Rail?

Network Rail is under fire from a Spalding man over its failure to clear litter strewn land beneath Steppingstone Bridge.

John Bland, a taxation manager with a Spalding accountancy firm, says litter has built up under the footbridge for the last seven years.

The bridge links Park Road and King's Road.

John Bland took this picture of the litter below Steppingstone Bridge on his walk to work on Tuesday.

Mr Bland has launched a petition on change.org in a bid to get Network Rail moving.

He said: "As it is a bridge that I use most days, it is something I feel particularly strongly about."

Mr Bland says councillors and volunteers wanted to clear the site in 2017 but understands a Network Rail official stepped in and told them: "This is a professional job and we will arrange for some professional contractors to turn up."

But no one has turned up. Mr Bland says Network Rail last year cited "resources" as the reason.

As well as clearing the site, Mr Bland would like the rail company to put up signs to discourage littering.

Network Rail's net debt for 2017/18 was £51.2billion while pre-tax profit was £48million.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We are aware that there have been issues with fly-tipping near Steppingstone footbridge in Spalding . Whilst we appreciate that this looks unpleasant, Network Rail has a limited amount of funding and must prioritise keeping the railway running reliably and safely.

“We would urge people to dispose of litter appropriately and to report any concerns with Network Rail property to the Network Rail National Helpline on 03457 114141.

"If you see anyone fly-tipping on the railway please report it to the British Transport Police.”

Mr Bland's petition can be found at www.change.org and by searching for http://chng.it/jBq8jZZ4Rz